Spohr: Reisesonate

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Louis Spohr's chamber music with this captivating collection, "Spohr: Reisesonate." Released in 2014, this double album features the virtuoso performances of Francesco Parrino and Michele Fedrigotti, who bring Spohr's compositions to life with remarkable skill and sensitivity. The album spans nearly two and a half hours, offering a comprehensive exploration of Spohr's Duo Concertantes and Duettinen.

The album opens with the Duo Concertant in G Minor, Op. 95, a work that showcases Spohr's mastery of the concerto form for two instruments. The four movements, from the Allegro moderato to the Allegretto, demonstrate the composers' ability to craft engaging and dynamic musical narratives. The album continues with the Duo Concertant in F Major, Op. 96, also known as the "Reisesonate," which includes evocative movements like "Katholische Kirche" and "Sächsische Schweiz," each offering a unique musical landscape.

The Duo Concertant in E Major, Op. 112, rounds out the concertante works, with its lively Allegro vivace and graceful Larghetto. The album concludes with the Six Duettinen, Op. 127, a set of six duets that range from the playful Allegro of the first duet to the exhilarating Finale. Throughout the album, Parrino and Fedrigotti's performances are marked by their technical prowess and deep musical understanding, making this a standout recording for fans of classical chamber music. The album was released on the Stradivarius label and is a testament to Spohr's enduring legacy as a composer of chamber music.

Louis Spohr, born Ludwig Spohr, was a prolific and innovative figure in the early Romantic period, renowned for his contributions as a composer, violinist, and conductor. Born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1784, Spohr's musical journey began at a young age, showcasing his talent on the violin. By the age of 18, he had already made significant strides, joining the ducal orchestra and later establishing himself as a virtuoso violinist. Spohr's compositions span a wide range of genres, including ten symphonies, ten operas, eighteen violin concerti, and numerous chamber works. His innovative spirit led him to invent the violin chinrest and the orchestral rehearsal mark, revolutionizing violin technique and teaching in the 19th century. Despite his extensive output, only a few of his works, such as the Octet Op. 32 and the Nonet Op. 31, are frequently performed today. Spohr's legacy endures through his meticulously crafted music and his enduring influence on the development of nineteenth-century music.